Man charged with using pit bull against police

Falmouth police say a man directed a pit bull against detectives as they were executing a search warrant Tuesday.

Falmouth police say a man directed a pit bull against detectives as they were executing a search warrant Tuesday.

Michael Costa, 19, was subsequently arrested and faces the following charges: assault with a dangerous weapon (a dog), possession of marijuana, possession of marijuana with intent to distribute, and conspiracy to violate the drug laws.

According to police, complaints from area residents prompted the Falmouth Police Drug Taskforce to watch 279 Maravista Ave. for any signs of illegal drug sales. During surveillance, officers noticed a vehicle speed off from the address. When they stopped it, the odor of burnt marijuana was evident during a conversation with the driver and passenger, police say.

Based upon that information, police obtained a search warrant for the Maravista Avenue house. As police entered the address, Costa allegedly ordered the dog to attack.

A search of the location revealed $1,232 in cash, just over 106 grams of marijuana and two scales.